A Message from the Superintendent
Dr. Patricia I. Wright – Superintendent of Public Instruction
All Virginia students deserve an opportunity to learn in instructional settings that meet their needs and increase their likelihood of success.
No size fits all, and Virginia – under the leadership of Governor Bob McDonnell – is expanding opportunity in the commonwealth’s public schools by promoting innovation and choice. These initiatives include charter schools, virtual schools and laboratory schools.
Charter schools provide choices for parents and students. Increased state support and guidance will ensure that local school boards receive quality charter school proposals.
Virtual schools offer opportunities for nontraditional learners. As these programs expand, the commonwealth will make sure that instruction is of the highest quality and aligned with state standards.
Laboratory schools – affiliated with colleges and universities – will promote innovation while providing choices that meet the needs of 21st-century students. And best practices developed in these programs will benefit children across the commonwealth.
These initiatives build on the success of the Standards of Learning and will help our schools achieve the Board of Education's objectives for increasing achievement in reading, mathematics and science, improving adolescent literacy, and using technology to enhance instruction.
Public schools thrive when citizens are involved. If you are a parent, be an active partner in your child's education. And even if you don't have school-age children, there is much you can do as a volunteer or mentor. Thank you for visiting the Virginia Department of Education online – and thank you for your support of the commonwealth’s public schools.
Patricia I. Wright
Superintendent of Public Instruction
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